Cape Town – The Coalition of African Animal Organisations (Caawo) is calling on the South African government to put an end to the global commercial wildlife trade, which includes trophy hunting, the breeding of lions in captivity, and the use of lion bones in traditional medicine.
Caawo is an animal welfare membership organisation that brings together animal welfare organisations across Africa.
The organisation believes captive lion breeding and trophy hunting are cruel and violate the rights of wild animals.
A Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity was published for public comment by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Barbara Creecy in July.
It seeks to “review the current policies, legislation and practices on matters of elephant, lion, leopard and rhinoceros management, breeding, hunting, trade and handling”.
Caawo executive director Tozie Zokufa said the government was also exploring the possibility of “backtracking on their commitment to captive lion breeding”.
The organisation has accelerated its call to Creecy, calling for an end to “terrible exploitative methods of wildlife”.
“The organisation believes every wild animal in South Africa should be protected, not traded, killed, or cruelly bred in captivity for economic gain. Caawo also seeks to collaborate with the government to find alternative sustainable solutions that do not harm the animals, environment and the population,” said Zokufa.
The organisation said they were calling on the public to add their voices and reject cruel practices such as trophy hunting and to demand a genuine wildlife-friendly future for South Africa.
The Draft White Paper released for comment has given the public 60 days to respond.
The DFFE Word template for responses can be found here:
https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/draftwhitepaper_template-for-providing-comments_final.docx)
The responses can be sent to: [email protected]
Cape Times